College Access Advisor

Join to apply for the COLLEGE ACCESS ADVISOR role at Bottom Line
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Founded in 1997, Bottom Line is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization with a mission to partner with degree‑aspiring students of color from under‑resourced communities as they get into college, graduate, and go far in life. We achieve this mission by providing one‑on‑one guidance through the college application process, college graduation, and successful career launch.

Our vision is to dramatically transform urban communities by producing thousands of new career‑ready college graduates.

When you join Bottom Line, you will find a rewarding, fast‑paced, results‑oriented environment built on relationships, data, and metrics.

Houston, TX

Reporting to the Program Director, the primary focus of the College Access Advisor is to effectively serve a caseload of college‑aspiring high school seniors using the Bottom Line LEAD (Lists, Essays, Applications, Decisions) Model. Advisors help students identify college options, write application essays, submit applications, complete financial aid and application requirements, analyze acceptances and award packages, and make responsible college choices.

Advisors also recruit and onboard new cohorts, track progress in our database, and develop advising skills for potential promotion to Senior Advisor after the first full year.

Note:

Access programming in Houston will begin in June 2026. From the date of hire until June 2026, responsibilities will focus on student recruitment.

• Direct Student Support – 70%
  • Provide one‑on‑one guidance to a caseload of 60‑65 high school seniors.
  • College Lists
    • Coach each student toward a college list that meets program standards and is individualized.
    • Adjust admissions chances based on changes to a student’s academic profile throughout the year.
  • Essays
    • Help each student brainstorm, revise, and finalize college essays using in‑person and remote support tools.
  • Applications
    • Design individualized service plans to ensure each student submits complete, high‑quality applications by institutional priority deadlines.
    • Support students in identifying and completing missing or additional application materials during the winter and spring.
  • Financial Aid & Decision Making
    • Guide students to submit FAFSA and/or CSS Profile by priority deadlines.
    • Identify and support students selected for federal income and/or citizenship verification.
    • Identify students eligible for various scholarships.
    • Explain financial aid award data and coach students toward financially responsible decisions.
    • Support students with deposit submission by May 1.
  • Maintain ongoing communication with all students on caseload.
  • Lead 60‑minute meetings for 15‑20 students per week at the Bottom Line office, a high school campus, or other off‑site locations.
  • Respond to all student text, calls, or emails within 2 business days.
  • Develop individualized communication plans to keep students engaged and on schedule.
  • Help students resolve general obstacles by coaching self‑advocacy and resourcefulness skills.
• Caseload & Data Management – 20%
  • Track and record student progress in the database using quantitative and qualitative measures.
  • Enter data within 3 business days of a student interaction or status change.
  • Maintain accurate student contact information.
  • Enter and update data for students applying to Bottom Line or transitioning into the Success Program.
  • Manage a caseload of 60‑65 high‑school students, including scheduling all meetings on a weekly or as‑needed basis.
  • Manage time and calendar to meet minimum number of meetings per week and per student per year.
  • Align meetings to the student process, ensuring adequate progress and meeting deadlines.
  • Ensure all students adhere to individual and institutional deadlines.
• Student Recruitment – 5%
  • Build understanding and excitement about Bottom Line with prospective students via group presentations, workshops, and tabling events; support students in filling out the online application.
  • Support a caseload of applicants through the Bottom Line application process by processing applications, making phone calls, and answering questions.
  • Onboard students into…